Never Drive for Sold Out Game at U.S. Cellular Field

29 August 2010No Comment

Two years ago I wrote that I should never drive to U.S. Cellular Field if the game is sold out. Today, I forgot about that advice since I thought I had to drive as I was going to the game with the Ultimate Sports Baby. I knew the New York Yankees were in town and I have been to Yankees games at U.S. Cellular Field in the past but they were on a Tuesday night and Thursday afternoon – not a Sunday afternoon – and not when Frank Thomas’ jersey was being retired.

My parking troubles began as I realized that the regular parking lots were sold out – meaning I would have to park in the overflow parking lots which are several blocks from the ballpark. Rather than take the time to park far away with the Ultimate Sports Baby, I found a meter spot that was good for two hours (and longer if I felt like pushing it).

I parked right outside the Jimmy John’s located at 3506 S. State St. I did not have enough change to feed the meter so I bought a sandwich and asked for change. After feeding the meter I had two hours to get to the stadium, buy a ticket and get back to the car – not the ideal game experience but the best option when not planning well enough in advance with a baby.

Beg, Borrow and Deal
Of course, I found scalpers as I walked along 35th St. They all wanted more than face value and I finally found a guy who sold me a $34 face value ticket for $35. I was not in a place to negotiate much. He also yelled at me for having a baby out in the heat so I gave him an extra $5 out of guilt.

New York Yankees at Chicago White Sox
My original plan for today was to attend the AVP event in Chicago. But two weeks ago the AVP announced they were ceasing operations which left the White Sox game as the only option.

The Yankees won the close game 2-1 as Ivan Nova shut down the White Sox.